Bifurcated Arc Fault Detection and Power Distribution for use in Military Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAV)

摘要

Arcing in high voltage DC circuits can lead to catastrophic failures in air vehicles. Detection and mitigation of DC arcing in series is especially difficult. Since DC arcing is more severe than AC or "Ticking Arcs" the use of BIFURCATED ARC FAULT DETECTION (BiFAD) will lead to a new and Novel method of detection of both parallel and series arcing in electrical power distribution systems. In unmanned Combat Vehicles, system survivability and redundancy are essential. The ability to overcome a single arcing fault and re-apply power without restarting the arc event is a design priority. The removal of hydraulic and pneumatic power systems in Unmanned Air Combat Vehicles (UCAV's) will reduce maintenance and complexity. Bifurcated circuits will provide the ability to reroute power systems to compensate for battle damage or distribution systems failures. This should lead to improved mission completion rates and allow safe recovery of indispensable assets. This method is applicable to both AC and DC circuits, Since the current aerospace AFCI devices are adequate for most of the Ticking arcs, and this wiring method is not suitable for direct replacement or retrofit of existing circuit protection devices, this paper will deal with a new method of electrical distribution in future all electric aircraft.